tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-328477342024-03-13T05:16:08.910-05:00Empress AsmaA variety of craftiness to encourage the creatively challengedThat's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-25751319609212629492009-04-07T19:04:00.007-05:002009-04-07T19:24:33.934-05:00Craft Derailment .... Puppy Station<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SdvqsbqOQ1I/AAAAAAAAAIo/0p4GjKZE9k4/s1600-h/P4051701.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322105433728369490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SdvqsbqOQ1I/AAAAAAAAAIo/0p4GjKZE9k4/s200/P4051701.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Not so much time for crafts lately - since we just got a new puppy. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SdvrgSZ5API/AAAAAAAAAIw/Je2QLfphPlg/s1600-h/placemat+fabric.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322106324597145842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 122px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SdvrgSZ5API/AAAAAAAAAIw/Je2QLfphPlg/s200/placemat+fabric.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><p>But I am trying to put together a set of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">place mats</span>, I picked out the fabrics, and just need to find the time to sew. I'm going with the pattern in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Rules-Sewing-Essential-Guide/dp/0307347214">Bend-the-Rules Sewing</a> - and using flannel as the interior, right sides together. </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sdvt8btET2I/AAAAAAAAAI4/Igl0mwc1Pa4/s1600-h/P4061707.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322109007153090402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sdvt8btET2I/AAAAAAAAAI4/Igl0mwc1Pa4/s200/P4061707.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p>One other thing I found this week is the <a href="http://koloist.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kolo</span></span> blog</a>. I have long been a fan of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kolo</span></span> album, and was sad when their flagship store closed in Hartford, but I'm pleased to see the new <a href="http://www.kolo.com/shop/products/?cat=42">Essex Travel Book</a>, which looks so convenient and handy as a journal. I also really liked the <a href="http://koloist.com/index.php/2009/03/23/stitched-map">blog entry</a> about using a little embroidery square in the photo window on the album cover. What a great idea! Here is something I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">embroidered</span> a couple months ago, when I first learned how to embroider. I never know what to do with these little pieces...</p><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p></p>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-88113452896606708532009-03-21T14:47:00.009-05:002009-03-21T15:06:56.741-05:00I love my OWLS<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScVElX9mveI/AAAAAAAAAIg/sq0aaYwQ7aU/s1600-h/P3181650.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315730344058994146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScVElX9mveI/AAAAAAAAAIg/sq0aaYwQ7aU/s320/P3181650.JPG" border="0" /></a> A couple weeks ago I joined an <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/30562">owl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stuffie</span> swap</a> on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.swap-bot.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swap-Bot</span>.com</a>. My partners have already received their owls, so I can show off my pictures now. I made my owls from a felted thrift store sweater, an old pair of very soft <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">corduroy</span> pants and some wool felt. I stuffed them with leftover cut up cotton batting from a quilt that I made, and I thought that was a good alternative to buying the poly-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">fil</span> stuffing. I had 2 swap partners, but I made three owls so I could keep one too. The owl fabric I sewed to to the front is by <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/ccp0-prodshow/AHSONA.html">Alexander Henry</a> and is so cute and features bunches of unique owls and endless inspiration. I think I just might have to make a couple more....<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315730214995621762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScVEd3Kf94I/AAAAAAAAAIY/CsXfU6yqG-A/s320/P3181656.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-89252627588867714812009-03-20T15:35:00.018-05:002009-03-20T16:20:36.745-05:00The week does fly by<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScQHDzq9rsI/AAAAAAAAAII/ba03XwlobHs/s1600-h/wine+tote+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315381222195441346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScQHDzq9rsI/AAAAAAAAAII/ba03XwlobHs/s320/wine+tote+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And since I am on cooking strike, I have lots of time for sewing. I made a couple very cute wine totes from this <a href="http://www.sewingrepublic.com/projectIdeas.html#/wine_tote">pattern</a> on <a href="http://www.sewingrepublic.com/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SewingRepublic</span></span>.com</a>. They have some good video tutorials as well. Great thing about having a wine shop ... lots of bottles to put in wine totes. I have to say that it was a little challenging to top sew the top seam, as you have to flatten it out and manage the handles and still run it straight on the sewing machine, but i made it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span></span>. Only needs 2 fat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">quarters</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">insul</span></span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">brite</span></span> batting. The fabrics are all from <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/">Joann's</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScQHMrZrfWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/KbMl4k7NFs4/s1600-h/caddy+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315381374594284898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScQHMrZrfWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/KbMl4k7NFs4/s320/caddy+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next is a little caddy I put together today - no pattern necessary. Used my <em>extensive</em> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">haha</span></span>) quilting skills to make a small quilt with binding, then i folded it and whip stitched it. Turned out the tricky part was the grommets. I thought they were like eyelets - 1 piece, so I got out my hammer and tried to attach them ... like 5 times. Where are those directions??? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OHHHH</span></span>.. they are 2 pieces that interlock. Then you hammer with the setter. Much better! I hung it up on the side of my craft bookcase for a little extra storage. The fabrics are <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/fabrics_top.php?fabric=daisy-chain&flid=14">Amy Butler's Daisy Chain</a> and the pattern lent itself quite nicely to diagonal quilting. The best part was that I was able to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">zig</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">zag</span> some batting scraps together to make a piece that was big enough (10" x 17") for the inside.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>Last, but not least, I went to see the Flower Show at <a href="http://www.elizabethpark.org/greenhouses.htm">Elizabeth Park</a> this morning. It was the last day, of course. Lovely!</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315377645532837442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/ScQDznkJdkI/AAAAAAAAAIA/JbHOrvH7fuw/s200/P3201659.JPG" border="0" /></div>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-63433613413810492682009-03-13T20:38:00.008-05:002009-03-13T21:07:51.973-05:00Sneak Peek<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbsLhMiePmI/AAAAAAAAAHA/ClkMEPqD1hM/s1600-h/owl+quilt+preview.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312852850343034466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbsLhMiePmI/AAAAAAAAAHA/ClkMEPqD1hM/s200/owl+quilt+preview.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm making a couple baby quilts as gifts, so I can't do the big reveal yet, but here is a sneak preview. The owl print is so cute, and this was actually my first finished quilt - with a binding and everything! I learned A LOT and I have to admit to being quite proud of myself, although I'm not sure I could handle a bigger size just yet. Oh ... one thing I learned is that 100 meters of thread is NOT enough for a baby quilt. Small <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2857&PRODID=prd1115">Gutterman </a>spool = not enough thread! And also I really enjoyed using the <a href="http://www.poly-fil.com/batting.asp">Fairfield 50% Bamboo 50% Cotton batting</a>. I think the emergence of bamboo is great - from floors to kitchen items to to yarn, it really seems to be a super-plant. Apparently, the batting is also "naturally antibacterial" for what that's worth. Must be good for the kiddies.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-6538084563422768492009-03-12T21:06:00.003-05:002009-03-13T21:08:09.763-05:00Small bunny<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbsLIMZRj2I/AAAAAAAAAG4/3v9IDOeti_c/s1600-h/bunny.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312852420807724898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbsLIMZRj2I/AAAAAAAAAG4/3v9IDOeti_c/s200/bunny.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Bunny is an example that every project does not need to be complex. I made this small bunny from thrifted, felted sweaters. I drew the shape on cardstock, cut out two pieces of the sweater, and used the blanket stitch to sew them together. The eyes are buttons, the nose embroidered, and the carrot is cut from felt and glued. Softies can be as complex or simple as you want them to be!That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-15241209558807937462009-03-10T15:47:00.011-05:002009-03-10T16:26:42.291-05:00They make great pets<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbbUTWhzQoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/RPIu6pZ_Sc8/s1600-h/P3101642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311666239460033154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbbUTWhzQoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/RPIu6pZ_Sc8/s320/P3101642.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of my first sewing projects, a year+ ago, was a few of these birds. Great to use up some scraps and you can make them as big or as small as you want. The pattern was nicely provided by <a href="http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/birdpattern1-1.pdf">Spool Sewing</a>. They make me wish I was still in Philly, because they seem to have some really nice classes. It was my first 3D sewing project back then, but I am glad to report that when i made one the other day, I realized my sewing skills have increased <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phenomenally (hello .... stitch tension!)</span>. Regardless .... the original birds are nicely housed in a cage that was a gift from my friend Susan. The cage sat empty for many years, but I love how the birds look in there. It's up on my office desk and I look at it every day. See more birds <a href="http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2008/12/08/birdie-ornaments/">here</a>.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-2548805528922851522009-03-09T20:59:00.012-05:002009-03-10T16:46:59.049-05:00Out with the old ....and in with the new .... potholders, that is! i threw away my ratty old falling apart set and whipped up a new batch with some quilt scraps. I was very proud of myself. The oven mitt pattern is <a href="http://thelongestyear.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/03/oven_mitt_tutor.html">here</a>, but i didn't love the template, so i traced my old mitt instead (plus 1/2 inch seam allowance). I backed the pot holders with a recycled, felted sweater and fused them with <a href="http://www.thermowebonline.com/dyn_category.php?k=82299">Heat n Bond Ultra</a>. I had to hand sew the binding on the pot holders, since you are not supposed to sew thru the Heat n Bond Ultra, and i probably wouldn't go that way next time. For the oven mitts, I did my first "professional" binding based on <a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2006/11/bind_away.html">Heather Bailey's binding tutorial</a>.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311388513401329538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbXXtkVgV4I/AAAAAAAAAF4/2b7ZZrV6Ht4/s320/P3081637.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbbdgrPpKfI/AAAAAAAAAGo/XCSuumPDz3U/s1600-h/P3081641.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311676363963967986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbbdgrPpKfI/AAAAAAAAAGo/XCSuumPDz3U/s320/P3081641.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p>These are my new fat quarters from the Fat Quarter swap at <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=736">Sew, Mama, Sew</a>. Thanks to all my swap buddies - what to make, what to make .... ? i hadn't swapped in while so this was a good way to get back into it, since it all it required was cutting and putting in an envelope!<br /><br /><a href="http://mellyandme.typepad.com/"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sbbfo6gzmUI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1uZvFIGBEK4/s1600-h/melly+and+me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311678704524695874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sbbfo6gzmUI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1uZvFIGBEK4/s320/melly+and+me.jpg" border="0" /></a></a><br /></p><br /><p>oh, one last thing ... i found these super cute softie patterns by <a href="http://mellyandme.typepad.com/photos/designs_by_melly_me/index.html">Melly & Me</a>. They seem to Australia based, but you can get the patterns here in the US too. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Happy Monday!</p>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-63682535027994651422009-03-06T14:32:00.010-05:002009-03-10T16:11:24.716-05:00Felt Wall hanging<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbF7Om5O_CI/AAAAAAAAAFw/yOQu0tTqKlI/s1600-h/P3051634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310160926535515170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/SbF7Om5O_CI/AAAAAAAAAFw/yOQu0tTqKlI/s320/P3051634.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />i love working with the wool felt ... but why is it so darn expensive??? i got mine at <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/magiccabin/product.do?bc=1004&pgc=185">Magic Cabin</a> - the jewel color mix pack. Fusing the felt to fabric with the <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat2864&PRODID=prd49052">heat n bond</a> makes this a very simple project. I just cut and glued most of the pieces down and added decorative embroidery stitches and a little beading all around. And, indeed, everything always looks better framed with ric rac! I wish I could make a dozen of these to sell ... but the hand stitching just takes too long. The middle pinwheel was an idea from the <a href="http://www.betzwhite.com/">Warm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fuzzies</span></a> book. Until I find a more permanent space, it looks nice in my hallway.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-63268627444497112972009-03-05T11:14:00.011-05:002009-03-05T11:36:44.094-05:00Not exactly a herdHere are a couple elephants I have been working on, based on a pattern I found <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=28412.msg237303#msg237303">here.</a> The underbelly is thrift store felted sweaters that seem to pile up in the craft room, the tops are some fatty quarters I had. I had some trouble with getting the legs to stay upright, i ended up sewing them together a bit from the underside after it was stuffed, but if anyone has better ideas, I would be glad to hear them! Regardless, they turned out very cute.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309739293786009842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sa_7wWgMcPI/AAAAAAAAAE8/zCSGqZOkpV8/s320/P3051628.JPG" border="0" /> And here, 8 inches of snow outside but a little bit of spring in my dining room. I thought it was a nice juxtaposition of nature and technology :)</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309740974651748610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sa_9SMN0MQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qUGPE8mNr_0/s320/P3031626.JPG" border="0" /> </p>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-33781260351293050852009-03-04T22:51:00.021-05:002009-03-05T01:26:50.417-05:00ALL these months laterand where have i been?<br /><br />working, store owning, house buying, drinking, decorating, cooking, cleaning, organizing, making, yelling, crafting ...<br /><br />it's finally all coming along, falling into place, so i'm trying to get back to the posting the things i make.<br /><br />here's a little something i made for a friend that had a baby. A little <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTfairy.html">Knitty doll dress</a> plus a dash of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/black-apple-doll">Black Apple Doll</a> head + body/legs cut to fit the dress and I had created my own little angel, in my favorite colors (in case you couldn't tell). I used a very nice <a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=40">Classic Elite bamboo yarn</a> for the dress, very soft but split a bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sa9OEDdoB0I/AAAAAAAAAEs/vkpYHmcG5AU/s1600-h/P2011618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309548317249111874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pQi-2kJdURk/Sa9OEDdoB0I/AAAAAAAAAEs/vkpYHmcG5AU/s320/P2011618.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />tomorrow ... a herd of elephants.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1158070065196340602006-09-12T08:59:00.003-05:002009-03-05T01:13:57.408-05:00KIDS - Do Not Try this at Home<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/jennifer%20maestre.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/400/jennifer%20maestre.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Holy sharpened pencils, Batman! This <a href="http://www.jennifermaestre.com/pencil_show.html">sculpture</a> is about the craziest art I have seen in a while. I love the uniformity of the tiny sharpened pencils, as well as the reflection of sea creatures in wood & eraser. Don't miss the <a href="http://jennifermaestre.net/nail_show.html">nails</a>. Bravo, Jennifer!That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1157997918264998282006-09-11T12:50:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:10:55.835-05:00Iron Works Graphics<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/scottbaldwi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/scottbaldwi.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Made from Scratch ...<br /><br />These fantastic cards are not only letterpressed, but also designed, drawn and carved by <a href="http://www.scottbaldwin.net/">Scott Baldwin</a>. His <a href="http://www.ironworksgraphics.com/iwggreetingpostcards.html">Greetings and Postcards</a> are great but I really fell for the <a href="http://www.ironworksgraphics.com/iwgsim.html">booklets</a>. Beautiful!That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1157591474505373842006-09-06T19:55:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:11:37.467-05:00SWAP-A-LOTHere's what new in the swapping world of Asma. <br /><br />Here is the tons of <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/291">ribbon</a> I received from Dana and Kathy H. Thank you!<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/swap%20ribbon%20rec.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/swap%20ribbon%20rec.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here is a scene in a <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/533">matchbox</a> that I sent out. It's a little library if you can't tell. It's about 2 1/4" by 1 1/8 inches. I used paper and clay and shrinky dinks and colored wooden match sticks to create the scene.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/swap%20matchbox%20sent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/swap%20matchbox%20sent.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/413">Handmade items</a> sent to me by <a href="http://www.craftyorcrazy.blogspot.com/">Dawn</a> in the UK. A beautiful roomy polka-tote and a wash cloth that seems to have the most intricate 'brick' stitch.<br /> <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/swap%20handmade.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/swap%20handmade.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/413">Handmade items</a> I sent across the seas to Australia. Some soap and letterpressed notecards and polymer items.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/swap%20handmade%20sent.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/swap%20handmade%20sent.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1157590507476497132006-09-06T19:25:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:11:53.356-05:00Felted Tote - start to finish<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/yarn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/yarn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here is a <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/toshiko_bag/toshiko_bag.html">felted tote</a> that I just finished. My first felting and knitting on cable needles - in the round (untwisted after 3 tries)! Good job, me. I love the yarn, I used a combination <a href="http://www.farmhouseyarns.com/charlenecolorcard.html">Lumpy Bumpy </a>by Farmhouse Yarns and a double strand of <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-220.asp">Cascade 220 Wool</a>, because my yarn shop does not carry the Berroco. <br /><br />Before I felted: <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/before.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/before.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After I felted - it shrunk from 16" x 24" to about 14" square. I wasn't sure whether to have the knit side out or the purl side out, but for now i have the knit side. <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/after.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/after.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1157060220684889622006-08-31T16:02:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:12:19.666-05:00Cheap Thrills<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/machine_8828.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/machine_8828.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Really cheap. Remember those machines that smoosh (technical term) your penny and print an image on it. Well, someone has gone and listed all the machines and posted pictures of almost all the penny images that you can make. It's fun to look thru the <a href="http://www.pennycollector.com/AreaList.aspx">images</a> to see all the places you have been and NOT collected pennies from.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1156528994540905052006-08-25T12:50:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:12:39.789-05:00Compudrawing<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/kaleidoscope.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/kaleidoscope.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/pollack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/200/pollack.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Aye Caramba! Between these two sites, you can have your hands full creating masterpices with your mouse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zefrank.com/dtoy_vs_byokal/">Kaleidscope Drawtoy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jacksonpollock.org">Jackson Pollack</a><br />Click to change colors.That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1156359641734869822006-08-23T13:58:00.001-05:002009-03-05T00:13:40.922-05:00First Knit and more...<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/hat%26scarf.1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/hat%26scarf.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Here is my first knitting - a fuzzy hat and scarf combo made from <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/product.php?LGC=divine">Paton's Divine</a> yarn in yummy Orangina. The <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e03854&categoryid=32">pattern</a> was from the Michael's web site, and turned out to be pretty easy. I'm knitting a second set for a birthday present for a friend.<br /><br />Here are bookmarks I received in a <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com">swap</a>, they're so pretty (and professsional)! Thank you, <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/blondeoverblue">Kat</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/swap%20bookmarks.3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/swap%20bookmarks.1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here are a couple things I have sent out this week for a handmade journal swap and a ribbon swap. The ribbons & fibers were from my stash, but the books were newly made. I recently took a book binding class at the <a href="http://www.creativeartsworkshop.org">Creative Arts Workshop</a> and hope to take another one in the fall. The book covers are made with a <a href="http://www.eksuccess.com/products_detail.php?product_id=7153&sess_id=4769f78b253a577bc7478d532a67c78b">paper</a> from EK Success that is called LetterPress, but is really just debossed. It has a nice texture even though it isn't real letterpress. In official bookbinding speak, the journals are single-signature hard cover pamphlets.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/ribbon%20swap%20sent.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/ribbon%20swap%20sent.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/journal%20swap%20sent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/320/journal%20swap%20sent.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1156258630536989032006-08-22T09:52:00.000-05:002006-08-23T09:01:25.433-05:00The Namesake<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/kal_penn.5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/200/kal_penn.5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Oh, oh, oh - I'm so excited about <a href="http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/thenamesake/">The Namesake</a> release, Sept 20. I loved the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395927218/104-0002430-0496712?v=glance&n=283155">book</a> (it was my life) but i'm even more excited that Kal Penn is starring! I found his <a href="http://thenamesake.typepad.com/blog/">blog</a> and he's still really cute :)That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1156194589761047332006-08-21T16:06:00.000-05:002006-08-21T16:09:49.770-05:00'bout meThings you may not have known about me.....<br /><br />A) Four jobs I have had in my life:<br />1. counted pills at Warminster Pharmacy<br />2. called people to answer surveys (telemarketing)<br />3. ran errands for graduate architecture department at CMU<br />4. Database performance tuning for IBM <br /><br />B) Four movies you would watch over and over:<br />1. Red<br />2. Bridget Jones' Diary<br />3. Gone with the Wind<br />4. Four Weddings and Funeral<br /><br />C) Four places you have lived:<br />1. Warminster, Pennsylvania (mom & dad)<br />2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (various dorms and apartments)<br />3. New York City (5th floor walk-up)<br />4. Yonkers, NY (on the Hudson River)<br /><br />D) Four TV shows/channels you love to watch:<br />1. LOST<br />2. scrubs<br />3. The Kumars at No 42<br />4. sex & the city<br /><br />E) Four places you have been on vacation:<br />1. Paris (twice)<br />2. Florence (with laura)<br />3. Bombay/Poona (visit family)<br />4. San Francisco, CA (part of honeymoon)<br /><br />F) Websites you visit daily: (or semi-weekly)<br />1. yahoo <br />2. swap-bot<br />3. google<br />4. new york times<br /><br />G) Four of my favorite foods:<br />1. chocolate<br />2. mocha<br />3. grilled cheese with tomatoes<br />4. french toast<br /><br />H) Four places I would rather be right now:<br />1. home (not at work)<br />2 Savannah, Georgia<br />3. St. Petersburg<br />4. Art storeThat's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1155829065076564692006-08-17T10:33:00.002-05:002009-03-05T00:13:58.492-05:00Soapy Swap<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/1600/soap.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7043/3597/200/soap.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hi. I've been doing this swapping for a month or so. You sign up for a swap, make a little package for your swap partner(s) and send it to them, and you receive something from someone else. Sometimes it's handmade stuff, sometimes store bought. So, I have started a swap of my own, for handmade soap. All you soap makers out there, sign up: <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/640">Soap Swap </a>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1155762357576430612006-08-16T16:04:00.002-05:002009-03-05T00:12:53.895-05:00I'm published (sort of)For my wedding in April, I designed a 'save the date' card, that was letterpressed. I was thrilled when the printer posted it on their web site as an example!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mercuriobrothers.com/infopage?file=Letterpress%20Samples_en&s=modulate&lang=en"><strong>Save The Date</strong></a>That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32847734.post-1155754430541026712006-08-16T13:48:00.000-05:002006-08-17T15:40:32.903-05:00First blog entry EVER!Hi. I've been a blog voyeur (blogyeur?) for some time now, and thought i would try my hand at all the fun. I will be posting a variety of crafts that i make or life updates or fun stuff from the web. Let's see how it goes.....That's me ... Asmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243256459844964753noreply@blogger.com2